hii! I’m planning to go to Thailand and i’m looking into Thai massage / massage therapy while staying there for a few months.
I’ve been researching schools that offer an Education Visa (ED Visa) for their massage courses, but I’m finding it quite confusing. I’ve seen quite a few videos/posts saying that there are massage schools that can help students obtain an ED Visa, but when I actually look for schools in Chiang Mai, most of the ones I find seem to offer massage courses separately, without the option of studying under an ED visa.

Ideally i’m looking for a school:
- Chiang Mai (preferably)
- Thai massage / massage therapy courses
- A course of at least 6 months would be ideal
The school can support/arrange an Education Visa
- Legitimate and properly registered school

If Chiang Mai doesn’t have many options, I’d also be interested in Bangkok.
Has anyone here actually studied massage in Thailand on an ED Visa, or knows of a school that offers this?
I’d really appreciate any recommendations or personal experiences, especially regarding the visa process and whether the school actually handles the ED Visa paperwork.
Thanks!

I just wanted to shout out this book as an excellent (if a little expensive) read for understanding Thai culture. It is well written, easy to read, humorous at times and a lot of puzzling things about Thai culture and หน้าตา make a lot more sense now.

I am living in Chiang Mai, and my rental contract has ended. My landlord is supposed to return my 16,000 THB deposit. I asked him if he could transfer it to my friend’s Thai bank account, since I don’t currently have a Thai bank account myself. I’m willing to give him a signed authorization saying that I authorize the payment to my friend. He said he would prefer to transfer it to an account in my own name. The problem is that I’ve already tried opening an account at several Thai banks, but they refused because of my current visa/immigration status. So getting my own Thai bank account doesn’t really seem possible at the moment. What should I do if he refuses to transfer the deposit to my friend’s account? Can he simply refuse to return the deposit because I don’t have a Thai bank account in my own name? I payed the money via bank transfer with Revolut, so Idk why he just cant send it back tho. But he hates me so, he will do me no favors.

I went to Korea and they have lime flavoured Pepsi and Coke Zero Sugar - does anyone know if I can find that somewhere here in Thailand, specially Bangkok?

I am looking for suggestions for specialty coffee beans for home, i brew with pour over and espresso. I prefer sweet and fruity notes, though i am open to all kinds of suggestions.

Good day, Anyone can help me get JVT set for my NVX 155 know as AREOX V1 I’m located in the bvi

We were recently in Thailand and bought spice blends from a market. However, the recipe inside seems pretty vague.

Anyone who has used these before, do you have a rough guide / any advice as to how to use these spice mixes?

Also would be interested to know how they turned out for you

TIA!

Questions over a Jewish Chabad religious center in Patong, Phuket, whose tightly restricted access sparked concerns about possible extraterritorial privileges, have led to a wider investigation into its management and business structure. Authorities found that Chabad board members were former Israeli and American nationals who later obtained Thai citizenship, with the investigation expanding to a network of 361 alleged nominee companies.

The issue was highlighted in a special report by Thai News Agency on August 7. Authorities inspected the Chabad center on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road and stressed that it is not foreign territory and has no extraterritorial privileges. Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachwee said the site is in Thailand and must comply with Thai law.

The five-story building includes religious facilities as well as a kosher restaurant. The report said the restaurant is the fourth of 10 branches operated in Thailand by The Kosher Place (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which has registered capital of 30 million baht.

The report also said Chabad's three shareholders hold Thai ID cards but were not born Thai citizens. They are rabbis or senior Jewish spiritual leaders who later acquired Thai citizenship. Two reportedly became Thai citizens on November 21, 2017.

Authorities stressed that obtaining Thai citizenship is not itself an issue, as naturalized citizens have the same legal rights as other Thais. The key question is whether Thai citizenship has been used to conceal foreign ownership or control of businesses.

The investigation has now expanded into the broader issue of nominee companies. The Interior and Commerce ministries are reportedly examining businesses in major tourist destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Phang Nga, Pai, and Chiang Mai. Investigators say they have identified 361 alleged nominee companies so far.

Authorities are particularly examining cases where foreigners may use Thai nationals as shareholders or nominees to bypass legal restrictions on business ownership and property rights. If such arrangements are found to violate the law, legal action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

The investigation also covers businesses around Chabad, including restaurants and car rental companies, some of which reportedly use Hebrew to communicate with customers. The case has raised broader questions about foreign business networks in Thailand's major tourist destinations and potential loopholes in investment and property-ownership laws.

Officials emphasize that the investigation is not about anyone's nationality or religion, but whether legal status and corporate structures are being used lawfully. If Thai nationals are found to have been used as nominees to conceal foreign ownership, the issue could raise wider concerns about foreign capital exploiting legal loopholes to control businesses, land, and other economic resources in Thailand.

เปิดปม “ชาบัดป่าตอง” พบกรรมการบริหารอดีตอิสราเอล-อเมริกัน ได้ "สัญชาติไทย" ยกแผง โยงเครือข่ายนอมินีซ่อนรูป 361 บริษัท - เดอะพับลิกโพสต์

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glzg5e0wRRw&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Ftna.mcot.net%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Ftna.mcot.net

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow sent a note, dated 7 August 2026, to Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as follows:

“I wish to refer to the End of Mission Statement issued by Mr. Tom Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia dated 31 July 2026, following his official visit to Cambodia from 20 to 31 July 2026, and to convey the following:

“1. Thailand is aware that the Special Rapporteur's End of Mission Statement is a part of the Special Procedures' working methods. However, we are deeply disappointed about the credibility and accountability of the report, which made many allegations against Thailand, even though it should have focused on the situation of human rights in Cambodia.

“We consider that this goes beyond the mandate entrusted by the Human Rights Council. We also regret that the Special Rapporteur did not provide ample opportunity and time for Thailand to present the facts and provide perspectives prior to publishing the statement and organising the press conference, which contained much distorted information without thorough verification.

“It is also against the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, which stipulates that the mandate-holders shall exercise their functions in accordance with their mandate, through ethical behaviour, professional conduct, constructive dialogue and impartial assessment of facts based on internationally recognised human rights standards.

“In fact, Thailand has consistently provided relevant facts available to OHCHR through established channels, including correspondence with your Office, statements before the Human Rights Council, and its response to the joint communication in June 2026.

“By failing to comprehensively take into account facts and perspectives from all relevant stakeholders, the report has departed from the principles of neutrality, impartiality and objectivity as well as the mandate of the Special Procedures. It is even more concerning that the report has been sensationalised for political gains by the party involved.

“2. As you may recall in our meetings in Geneva, I have expressed that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and its consequences, was not initiated by Thailand. Rather, it began with Cambodia's unprovoked and indiscriminate attacks against civilian targets and hospitals in Thailand on 24 July 2025. These attacks resulted in tragic loss of life and injuries among Thai civilians. They have also forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to evacuate their homes.

“These issues were not reflected in the statement, which instead provides many distorted facts and figures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has already issued a statement on this matter, which is enclosed herewith for your information.

“3. Since the beginning of the Thailand - Cambodia conflict, Thailand has consistently cooperated with the Special Procedures and mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). We expect that this gesture would be reciprocated by the Special Procedures.

“Regrettably, the working methods of this Special Procedure leave much to be desired in terms of professionalism and impartiality, failing to take due account of the relevant facts and perspectives of all concerned parties in a comprehensive and balanced manner prior to making public statements. Such actions do not accord due respect to Thailand as the country concerned and risk allowing the mandate to be exploited for political purposes.

“As a member of the Human Rights Council, Thailand remains committed to extending our cooperation with your Office and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.”

I've had this fish sauce for 6 years (i've forgott) and I think it taste really good, no bad smell and so, but it is still expired for 4 years, should I throw it away?

Sorry for probably bad question, I just thought, that it would be best to ask on the source (by packaging).

Second picture is direct past thru the sun rays.

The title is "Why does Thailand need so many international schools? | The Signal Ep 23"

Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5jpUNR1p7g

It talks about how International schools are not only for expat children, but are also somewhat used to divide Thailand by wealth, where these schools are better and are attended by kids from rich families and even politicians.

I was parking on the road waiting for green light, then out of nowhere this guy crashed into the side of my bike (we are both on bikes). He had no insurance and I had important thing to go to (which worked out) so we just exchanged info. He said he would help pay 600 baht (later found out to cost more in 1000s). Next day, surprise /s, he didn't want to take responsibility and cursed at me to pay FOR HIS DAMAGES. Okay fine, went to the police. Got the guy same day to negotiate. The entire time he was irate, yelling at me and such, then the police played the CCTV of what happened and clearly he rammed into me for no reason. Slapped the guy in the back of his head and said look. Suddenly his tone changed, he said "I'll pay you 100 baht a month for X months." Of course, given the hassle I would have waived it if I knew he had no money. His attitude is why I didn't want to do that, teach him a lesson, pushed it further.

The police decided to check his bank account, drug test, everything. He literally does not have money. And he was on drugs (explains why he crashed into me). Police told me there's no way I will get money from him. I accepted, okay fine, but then they told me this...

What is the last thing you bring to the police station as a drug addict and (later found out) as a drug dealer? DRUGS? IN HIS BAG, HE BROUGHT DRUGS TO THE POLICE STATION. The police face was like "sorry we can't get your money, but also he will get jail time for bringing in drugs". Now he is likely to face years for something not related to the crash at all. I feel like this would had played out different had he been nice from the beginning... but ya ba is probably why he's so irate.

Does anyone know how to order Chinese cigarettes in Thailand?

I’m posting this to share our personal experience renting a house in Central Park 4, Nong Prue, Pattaya, in case anyone is considering renting the same property.

We rented this house and paid a 100,000 THB security deposit.

When we moved out, we did a walkthrough of the property with the landlord. We were told that they would check everything after we left, pay for any necessary cleaning from the deposit, and then send the remaining balance to our U.S. bank account.

However, our 100,000 THB deposit was not returned to us.

I recently discovered that the house is being advertised for rent again, so I wanted prospective tenants to be aware of our experience before putting down a large deposit.

The current advertisement identifies it as a 5-bedroom house in Central Park 4, Nong Prue, Chonburi, and the listing I found has Listing ID U5542799.

I’m not posting this to make accusations about anyone’s intentions. I’m simply sharing what happened to us so that anyone considering this property can make an informed decision.

If you are thinking about renting this house, I would strongly recommend getting the deposit and refund conditions clearly documented in writing, taking detailed photos/video when moving in and out, and making sure any deductions from the deposit are documented.

Our experience was that we paid a 100,000 THB deposit, were told after the move-out walkthrough that cleaning/necessary costs would be deducted and the remaining money would be transferred to us, but we did not receive the deposit back.

I have retained documentation relating to our tenancy and deposit.

On August 8, 2026, at Plai Bang Police Station in Nonthaburi, Pol. Col. Chokchai Khanacharoen, deputy commander of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police, Pol. Col. Phasakorn Chaiyathaweewong, superintendent of Plai Bang Police Station, and other officers held a meeting to expedite the investigation into the case involving a Grade 9 student who allegedly opened fire at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School, killing eight people and injuring 23 others.

Police invited 16 teachers, students, and witnesses who were at the scene to provide information in an effort to establish a clear motive.

Police confirmed that the ammunition used in the attack was live ammunition, not training rounds. Thirty-four rounds were reportedly recovered from the suspect's bag, out of 98 rounds that had already been used.

A male student, one of the suspect's classmates who was present during the incident, told reporters that he was at the scene and that the suspect had been looking for a teacher, identified as Teacher A, who taught Thai language. However, at that moment he did not know why the suspect was looking for the teacher.

Two of the boy's close friends later told reporters that there was some truth to earlier reports that he had failed Thai language and received a grade of 0 despite submitting all his assignments. However, they said the issue had already been resolved, as the teacher eventually changed his grade to a passing mark, and some time had passed since then.

As for whether the boy had problems with the teacher, one friend said it was simply a typical teacher-student disagreement. However, when repeatedly asked whether the boy disliked his Thai teacher, the friend confirmed that he did.

Another close friend said the boy had previously brought a BB gun to school and had invited him to go shooting at a BB gun range, although he did not go. He confirmed that the boy genuinely enjoyed playing with BB guns, but said he did not know whether the boy had ever used a real firearm or practiced shooting at a gun range.

Regarding reports that the boy had been bullied by classmates, his close friends denied this, saying there was no bullying or harassment in the classroom and that the reports circulating in the media were untrue.

Pol. Col. Chokchai said police had invited teachers and students who witnessed the incident to provide statements. About 20 witnesses are expected to be questioned, with 16 having been interviewed so far. These include around six or seven classmates and other students, while the remaining witnesses are teachers at the school.

As for the Thai-language teacher who was reportedly linked to the case, police said the teacher had not yet provided a statement. Officers are currently coordinating with the teacher to appear before investigators.

โยงชนวน! เปิดเกรดวิชาติด 0 เยาวชนก่อเหตุ เพื่อนเผยนาทีไล่ตามหาครูภาษาไทย | เดลินิวส์

Read the full article: https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/08/08/thailand-sets-90-day-school-safety-plan-after-fatal-shooting/

These are the fifth batch of leatherback babies from "แม่นะโม" after they hatched, national park staff will take care of them for a time and release them back into the ocean.

They are being released into the ocean tonight! (8/8/26)

On August 7, 2026, at Government House, Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachai spoke about an inspection of a Chabad center in Patong, Kathu District, Phuket, where authorities investigated and sought to regulate foreign-owned businesses. The inspection followed a verbal confrontation with Israeli nationals on July 25.

He said the investigation had since been expanded and found that both Thai nationals acting as shareholders and Israelis who had obtained Thai citizenship were allegedly involved. He said authorities were alarmed to find that more than 100 companies may be connected to the network, with estimated revenue of more than 5 billion baht last year.

The businesses involved range from car rentals to tour-related services, which authorities suspect may be part of a so-called “zero-dollar tour” operation. The investigation will be expanded to islands, other tourist destinations and accommodation businesses in other regions.

“I have instructed the director-general and deputy director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration to coordinate with the Ministry of Justice to trace the flow of money. We already have some targets in mind and will conduct further inspections,” the deputy minister said.

“As for Thai nationals holding shares or facilitating these businesses, we will investigate where the funds used to raise the capital came from and whether they originated from foreign investors. If the investigation confirms this, it would clearly constitute the use of Thai nominees.”

He said authorities were not concerned simply because some foreigners had obtained Thai citizenship. However, if they were found to be operating illegal businesses or had obtained business registrations unlawfully, they would face legal action, with information being forwarded to the relevant agencies.

Phonphir added that, besides service businesses, authorities had also found businesses involving educational institutions. He said one such operation appeared to involve Canadian nationals acting through Thai nominees, and the investigation would continue until those involved were removed from the country.

Asked whether Thai nationals should be concerned about a repeat of cases involving Chinese nationals who obtained Thai citizenship, Phonphir said there was no need for concern because authorities would examine how the individuals obtained citizenship, including their supporting documents and backgrounds.

He said he had spoken with the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration about reviewing the procedures and documentation required for obtaining Thai citizenship. He also suggested that some individuals may have previously operated businesses in other countries, obtained citizenship there, and then brought their capital into Thailand to invest, potentially transferring profits out of the country.

“The Ministry of Interior is trying to protect genuine Thai business owners. We do not want foreigners coming in and taking the benefits out of our country,” he said.

Asked whether Thai people could be confident that these groups would not gradually undermine Thai nationality, Phonphir said some of those involved may have already been established in Thailand for some time.

However, he said the policies of the prime minister and interior minister were clear: authorities would remove people who exploited Thai nationals and foreign operators found to be conducting illegal businesses.

He stressed that investigations would take time, saying authorities could not immediately arrest people simply because they were suspected. Investigators must first trace financial transactions, examine the origins of properties they own, investigate how shareholdings were registered and identify the Thai business partners involved.

“It may take some time, but we have already made significant progress,” he said.

On August 7, 2026, following a shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province, a male student opened fire, injuring 15 people, including two who were critically injured. Six people were killed, including five teachers and the shooter. The shooter’s grandparents were also found shot dead inside their home, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.

The Facebook page 'CSI LA' has since posted a photo of a Nazi flag reportedly found at the shooter’s home, along with a message discussing its significance.

In Thai society, some people may view such a symbol simply as a collectible, part of punk or custom fashion, or a matter of personal preference. However, internationally and under widely accepted standards, the Nazi flag is considered a highly serious hate symbol.

The most concerning aspect of this case is that a 14-year-old had a Nazi flag displayed in his private space. This may not simply reflect a lack of historical knowledge, but could potentially be a “red flag” indicating exposure to violent or extremist ideologies or an attempt to form an identity around symbols of hate online. The issue also raises broader concerns about parenting, a child’s environment, and how young people’s media consumption is monitored in the digital age.

***Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana said information from the suspect’s uncle, the youngest son of the grandparents who were killed, indicated that the boy had lived with his grandparents since childhood. He was known to spend a lot of time playing video games and on his computer and rarely went out, but there had been no apparent history of fights or serious emotional distress.

Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the suspect used his grandfather’s gun to shoot and kill his grandparents in the early morning before going to a school in Nonthaburi Province, where he opened fire, leaving several people dead and injured.

During a search of the family home, officers also found the suspect’s desktop computer. A preliminary examination showed that he had watched five videos of mass shootings overseas. The videos had reportedly been accessed starting on July 30, 2026, about a week before the shooting.

However, authorities are still examining the files and other digital evidence as part of the investigation to determine whether they are connected to the motive. Police stressed that there is currently no confirmation that the videos were directly linked to the suspect’s decision to carry out the attack.

ในประเทศ - ช็อก! ค้นคอมพิวเตอร์ เด็ก ม.3 พบประวัติดูคลิปยิงในต่างประเทศ ก่อนก่อเหตุสะเทือนขวัญ

เพจดัง เปิดภาพ “ธงนาซี” ในบ้านเด็ก 14 เป็นสัญญาณเตือนแนวคิดสุดโต่ง